Royal Air Maroc Launches New Flights from Los Angeles to Casablanca, Morocco, Boosting Travel to Marrakesh, Luxor, and More in 2026

Published on December 6, 2025

Over the past few years, Africa, once considered an overlooked and underserved continent for international travel, has experienced a shift. With changing travel trends and increasing global attention, Africa is now welcoming a rising number of visitors from across the world. The United Nations recorded a significant 12% increase in international visitors to African countries in the first half of 2025. This surge is particularly noticeable in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, which have seen some of the largest increases in visitors.

Africa’s Appeal Grows

Once seen as a more remote and less visited region, Africa’s growing appeal is becoming evident in its rising tourism numbers. Morocco, Egypt, and other African nations have successfully attracted travelers, thanks to their rich cultural history, iconic landmarks, and unique travel experiences. As more countries across the continent become known for their diverse attractions, international travelers are increasingly including Africa in their itineraries. This is in contrast to previous years when many African nations were overshadowed by other global travel destinations.

This increase in tourism demand has not gone unnoticed by airlines, who have responded with a variety of new flights to destinations across Africa. With more travelers seeking to visit Africa directly, airlines are expanding their routes to meet this growing demand, especially to cities like Luxor, Marrakesh, and Casablanca.

New Flights and Routes to Africa

Airlines have been quick to introduce new services to Africa, with some notable new routes already making waves. For example, EasyJet, a British low-cost carrier, introduced a new flight to Luxor International Airport (LXR) in Egypt last year, providing travelers with an easy and affordable way to visit this ancient city.

In March 2025, United Airlines began flying between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), expanding travel options between the United States and Morocco. These new routes are not only a testament to the increasing demand for African travel but also reflect a larger shift in air travel trends, where direct flights to more remote destinations are becoming increasingly accessible.

Royal Air Maroc: New Route from Los Angeles

One of the most exciting developments in 2026 is the launch of a new flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, the state-owned flag carrier of Morocco, has announced plans to operate this new route starting in June 2026. This will mark a major milestone, as it will be the only direct flight from Los Angeles to Africa since Ethiopian Airlines discontinued its flight to Addis Ababa in 2019.

The new route will be operated by a 274-seat Boeing 787-8 widebody jet featuring 18 lie-flat business class seats, providing higher-fare travelers with added comfort and luxury. The flight will cover a distance of 5,205 nautical miles(approximately 9,640 kilometers), taking just over 12 hours and 20 minutes to complete the journey. The flight will be available three times a week: on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Impact of the New Casablanca-Los Angeles Flight

This flight from Casablanca to Los Angeles will leave Casablanca at 4 a.m. local time and arrive in Los Angeles the following day at 8:20 a.m. The return flight will depart LAX at 10:20 a.m., arriving in Casablanca at 5:25 a.m. the next day. This schedule makes the route particularly convenient for travelers looking to connect between Morocco and the U.S. while also coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on June 11, 2026.

As Los Angeles is one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, the new flight will likely attract soccer fans from Morocco and other North African countries. With Royal Air Maroc being part of the Oneworld network, U.S.-based frequent flyer members of airlines such as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines will be able to earn miles for flights on this new route, further boosting the appeal of this service.

Royal Air Maroc’s Expansion in the U.S.

The launch of the Casablanca–Los Angeles route will also add a fourth U.S. city to Royal Air Maroc’s network. The airline already operates flights to New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Washington D.C. (IAD). As the airline continues to expand its presence in the U.S., it also positions Morocco as an increasingly accessible destination for American travelers. This flight symbolizes the kingdom’s efforts to strengthen its international tourism, economic, and cultural ties with key global cities.

Future Prospects for African Travel

As the demand for African travel continues to rise, more airlines are expected to add new routes, particularly from North America and Europe, to various African destinations. The efforts by Royal Air Maroc, United Airlines, and other carriers to provide more direct flights to Africa are paving the way for greater connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world. With increased tourism, business, and cultural exchanges on the horizon, Africa is set to become an even more prominent destination for global travelers in the coming years.